CHESTER FC manager Neil Young has put a new centre-back at the top of his Christmas wish list.

Young is delighted with the form of his first-choice defensive duo but he wants cover in case captain George Horan and evergreen veteran Carl Ruffer succumb to injury.

The Blues boss, November’s manger of the month for the Evo-Stik League First Division North, said: “I think we still need to strengthen in certain areas and the middle of defence is one of them.

“I want to sign an experienced centre-back between now and January to complement the two I’ve already got.

“If one of them, God forbid, gets a long-term injury I want somebody who is experienced to come in.

“We’ve got players who can move and cover in there, but I want somebody who is an out-and-out centre-back.”

Young is also in the market for a wide midfielder similar to Antoni Sarcevic and Iain Howard, but he admits he is placing equal importance on cutting down the numbers in his squad.

He said: “We’re overloaded in certain areas. Certain lads aren’t getting games and it’s pointless keeping them because we can’t keep them match fit.

“It would be different if we were a full-time club as we would be training every day and we would be arranging matches for them to play in. But we’re not, so the ones who aren’t serving a purpose, I will need to let go.”

Chester have seen their last three matches fall victim to the wintry weather.

Young said: “It’s frustrating but I suppose it’s frustrating for every manager in the league apart from those that have got injuries.

“At the end of the day it’s about people’s safety, both players and supporters.

“So I think it’s a good idea that we don’t get back playing until the pitches are in good condition and supporters can get to and from the game in a safe way.”

The Blues are unbeaten in their last 14 Evo-Stik League and Cup matches and have won five in a row in First Division North.

It hardly came as a surprise when Young was selected as the division’s manager of the month on Thursday.

He will be presented with a magnum of Champagne and an inscribed certificate before the home game against Radcliffe Borough this coming Saturday (3pm).

Chester’s top-of-the-table clash at Clitheroe yesterday was postponed because of a frozen pitch.

Young’s men are scheduled to return to action on Wednesday when mid-table Woodley Sports are the visitors to the Exacta Stadium (7.45pm).